AEDC Releases 2022 Aerospace & Defense Report
July 18, 2022The aerospace and defense industry in Arkansas is flying high, and it continues to grow as more companies discover the benefits of doing business in The Natural State.
Aerospace and defense is a significant part of the Arkansas economy – the state’s top export is civilian aircraft and aircraft parts. Aerospace and defense exports made up 20% of the state’s total exports in 2020, with more than $1 billion in goods exported.
Exports are not the only notable part of Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry. Arkansas is home to companies producing cutting edge aircraft, weapon systems, and other products that keep the global economy soaring.
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has released its 2022 Aerospace & Defense Report, which provides an in-depth look at the aerospace and defense industry in Arkansas and its economic impact. This report also spotlights the advantages and resources that Arkansas offers for aerospace and defense companies.
The report highlights the aerospace and defense companies that are finding success in Arkansas. These companies include industry leaders, such as Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Dassault Falcon Jet, Raytheon, and many others, as well as homegrown companies that are making an impact on the industry.
A full list of aerospace companies can be found in the report on the Arkansas Aerospace Companies Map. The report also features case studies from multiple companies, including Lockheed Martin, Galley Support Innovations, and Ozark Integrated Circuits.
Arkansas has a robust workforce meeting the needs of the growing aerospace and defense industry in the state. Aerospace and defense companies have 31 operations throughout Arkansas, employing more than 4,600 workers.
This aerospace and defense workforce is supported by educational institutions and partners offering a wide range of certification programs and degrees in aerospace education. Students can prepare for aerospace careers at 15 four-year universities and 22 two-year colleges throughout Arkansas. Available programs of study include aviation airframe and powerplant maintenance, general aviation maintenance, computer technology, engineering, data management, cybersecurity, and many other aerospace-related programs.
Arkansas’ aerospace and defense workforce is bolstered by the presence of multiple military installations throughout the state. Arkansas also is home to five military installations throughout the state: Little Rock Air Force Base, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Camp Robinson and Camp Pike, Ebbing Air National Guard Base, and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center.
Aerospace companies looking to move to or expand in Arkansas will benefit from the state’s low cost of doing business. Arkansas has the 4th lowest cost of doing business in the United States, and it has the 3rd lowest cost of living.
With its strong workforce, low cost of business, and business-friendly state government, Arkansas is a prime location for the aerospace and defense industry.
To learn more about Arkansas’ aerospace and defense industry, download the 2022 Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Report here.
